healthy teeth

The ideal amount of time to brush to get all the bacteria-packed plaque out is at least two minutes, researchers found. Use your watch or keep a timer in the bathroom and set it for two minutes. Or find a tune that lasts about two minutes and hum it to the end.

Does your toothbrush look as if its been used to clean the car? If so, youre probably brushing too hard. Contrary to what some scrub-happy people think, brushing with force is not the best way to remove plaque. The best way is to place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against your gums and gently move it in a circular motion, rather than a back-and-forth motion. Grip the toothbrush like a pencil so you wont scrub too hard.

Flavonoids and other ingredients in tea seem to prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to teeth, and also block production of a type of sugar that contributes to cavities. Tea also contains high amounts of fluoride.

Throw away your toothbrush or change the head of your electric toothbrush at least every two to three months. Otherwise, youre just transferring bacteria to your mouth.

Most over-the-counter mouthwashes have too much alcohol, which can dry out the tissues in your mouth, making them more susceptible to bacteria. Some studies even suggest a link between mouthwashes containing alcohol and an increased risk of oral cancer. To be safe, be a teetotaller when it comes to choosing a mouthwash.

Even if youre an adult, avoid sugary foods. Sugar plus bacteria equals oral plaque. Plaque then leads to bleeding gums, tooth decay and cavities. Plus, the acid in refined sugars and carbonated beverages dissolves tooth enamel.

Foods that are firm or crisp help to clean the teeth as theyre eaten. Apples have already been mentioned; other choices include raw carrots, celery and (unsweetened) popcorn. For best results, make detergent foods the final food you eat in your meal if you know you cant brush your teeth ?straight after eating.

Drink about a glass of water for every hour that youre at work. That way, when you get home, youll have had plenty of water for the entire day. Not only does the water help to keep your digestive system healthy and hydrate your skin, but it also helps to keep your teeth white. The more water you drink, the more bacteria you flush off your teeth and out of your mouth, meaning less risk of gum disease, fewer cavities and fresher breath.

Keep a bottle opener and a small pair of scissors in your bag or desk drawer. If you have the right gadgets to hand, you wont be tempted to use your teeth as tools, which can damage them. In fact, never, ever use your teeth as tools for anything except eating.

To check the freshness of your breath, lick your palm and smell it while its still wet. If you smell something, its time for a sugar-free breath mint or to brush your teeth.